Dynamics of conformational transitions in polymers.

Conformational transitions in polymers involve large angle rotations about bonds. The process must proceed in a way which does not require gross movements of the macromolecules. The dynamics has been investigated by computer simulation and kinetic theory. The rate determining step in the transition is found to occur in a mode which is kept local by distortion of nearby parts of the molecular. One especially important type of cooperativity, crank-like counterrotation of second neighbor bonds, is identified.